Chapter Twelve

Previously-

He was sure school would be interesting tomorrow...

They say first impressions stay with us forever. Rukia was sure that her first impression of Ulquiorra would stay with her forever.

His too tight uniform left nothing to the imagination. With a fit, obviously toned stomach, and long, lean legs, he was good looking. He wasn't as good looking as her Grimmjow, she reminded herself. Yet, she couldn't stop herself taking peeks at him (along with most of the girls) every so often.

He was quiet and kept himself to himself for the duration of the day, his head bent low into textbooks, pens rolling across paper, barely making conversation with Grimmjow or Rukia.

Rehearsals rolled around after an interesting game of dodge ball in Gym. Rukia felt a surge of satisfaction as she hit the retreating Ichigo in the back of his head.

Rukia emerged onto the stage, still clad in her sports kit, and began performing with as much heart as she could muster, yet still her eyes slowly drifted over to the skulking pale figure. He was watching her, almost as much as she was watching him, with his elbow on the edge of the stage.

Shaking her head, she got down to work transforming her into Elphaba.

"What? What are you looking at? Oh, do I have something in my teeth? Okay, let's get this over with. No, I'm not seasick, yes, I've always been green, no, I didn't chew grass as a child!" she exploded staring at each "student" with wide eyes and pointing a finger every so often.

The warmth of the water rushed over her body and she lent her forehead against the cold wall, her eyes closed.

She was relieved to be home, thankful for the shower, pleased that rehearsals were going well, apart from the fact that she would end them dripping in sweat.

A blast of music sounded from the next room and she realised her cell phone was ringing. She hit the power button and leaped from the shower, wrapping herself in a white fluffy towel and calling, "I'm coming!" as if the phone could actually reply.

"Hello?" she answered breathlessly.

"Rukia? You ok?"

She smiled to herself. "Sorry, I was in the shower".

"Damn, can I come join you?" came Grimmjow's laugh.

"Not today," she laughed. "What's up?"

Silence sounded and she heard Grimmjow give a small cough.

"Would you come over to ours for dinner tonight?"

"Erm..." She paused and ran a hand through her wet hair. "I'd have to ask Byakuya. Can I ring you back soon?"

"Sure. Enjoy your shower and we'll speak soon then. I love you".

"I love you too," she said sweetly back.

Rukia wrung her fingers nervously in her lap. At the beginning of the evening, she had been seated at the fine dining room, between her Grimmjow and Ulquiorra. She tried to keep her attention focused on Grimmjow, but occasionally she found herself immersed in a conversation Ulquiorra. He was a talker when he got going, especially about music and art.

She glanced down at her black jeans and adjusted the bottom of her long white top. She hoped she still looked nice and presentable.

Dinner had been quite lovely. A miso soup to start, followed by a teriyaki chicken and a sweet plum shaved ice. Dessert had always been her favourite and this was no different: it was quite delicious and everyone had a different flavour. Her pale lips became a bright shade, as the taste of sweet plum rolled over her tongue.

She nodded her head at her hosts. "Thank you for the meal. It was delicious," she said.

The white haired Gin smiled wide. "It was our pleasure, Miss Kuchiki".

A short beep of a car horn sounded and she sighed.

"I'm so sorry, but that's my brother. I've got to go. Thank you once again for the meal". She rose from the table and made to leave, as did both males by her side.

Tension crackled until Ulquiorra stepped aside and Grimmjow took Rukia's elbow and escorted her to the car.

"Sorry about that," he sighed.

"It's fine. I had a nice time. I'll ring you later, ok?" She kissed his gentle lips and he smiled when they parted.

"Mmm sweet plum," he laughed, as he held open the door and inclined his head to Byakuya.

He watched as the car rolled out of sight, his hand still raised in a farewell gesture.

"Rukia," he whispered under his breath and smiled to himself. He was so in love with her, it hurt him to stay away from her.

He heard footsteps approaching him and he looked up to notice a tall figure stalking toward him. The figure's head was bent, a curtain of hair obscuring the face. It wore a long coat, which billowed in the breeze.

"Hello?" Grimmjow said uncertainly, as the figure stopped in front of him.

The figure did not respond.

"Are you ok? Can I help you with something?" Grimmjow took a step forward.

"Pray," the figure said, and drew a long blade from within his coat. Grimmjow's eyes flew open and stepped backward in alarm.

The figure was too quick. He took one step forward, and with a great thrust forward, the blade impaled Grimmjow's body.

Grimmjow gasped. Without thinking, he held onto the blade, attempting to push it out of his body, to remove the obstruction from him, but the figure was stronger and held it firmly in place, making more blood splash up the blade.

The figure watched as Grimmjow's face turned pale and his grip turned weaker. He pushed his foot into Grimmjow's abdomen and smiled as blood sprayed over the ground.

"Why? Who?" Grimmjow managed to get out.

The figure sighed. "You're still an irritation of mine- but now for an entirely different reason. You're boring!"

"Nnoitra?"

The figure smirked and turned away, sheathing the sword in his coat, leaving Grimmjow to die on the pavement. He would take his time to die- he could still hear the gasps for breath and a plea for help.

"If there's one thing I can't stand, it's losers who keep on going even though they know they can't win!" Nnoitra said to himself.

Author's Note:

Questions are welcome for a special interview with Rukia, Grimmjow and Ulquiorra :) Inbox me your questions :) xx